Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians mark 25 years in Africa

The Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, a congregation founded in 1942 in North East India, have been serving in Africa for 25 years. With a presence in Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, and Mozambique, the congregation has grown to 30 members in Africa. The Africa Delegation was established in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the congregation's expansion.

The congregation's Mother General, Sr Christine Mynsong, attributes the growth in vocations and expansion to God's generosity. Many young girls who join the congregation come from mission areas, parishes, villages, boarding schools, and dioceses. Today, the congregation has around 2000 members, including professed sisters and candidates, with 120 novices. Sr Mynsong's own background and inspiration to join the congregation came from her experience with the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians during her school days.

The Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians are committed to evangelization and catechetical instruction, as well as works of charity. Their primary charism is to spread the Gospel to the whole creation, as stated in their motto, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation" (Mk 16,15). The congregation's spirituality is rooted in Salesian spirituality, which emphasizes the pastoral ministry with the model of a Shepherd-Jesus.

As the Superior General, Sr Mynsong's joy is seeing the joyful living of the sisters as consecrated persons, their efforts for spiritual growth, and their selfless sacrifices in the works of evangelization through education, health care, and social services. However, she also identifies challenges, including growth in holiness, faithfulness in observing the Constitutions, and vocations, especially local vocations in the countries they are working in.

The impact of the congregation's presence in Africa is significant, with Sr Mynsong expressing hope that the potentials and talents of the people, especially the youth, can be very vibrant, strong, and radical in their faith and life. The congregation's contribution to the large Salesian Family is through their faithfulness in Salesian spirituality and their unique charism.

The congregation recently celebrated the silver jubilee in eSwatini, marking a significant milestone in their presence on the continent. Sr Mynsong encourages young Catholics in Southern Africa to stay in prayers, integrity, hope, and togetherness, and to believe in themselves and God's plan for them.

As the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians continue to serve in Africa, they remain committed to their mission of spreading the Gospel and promoting the dignity of all people. With their presence in seven countries on the continent, they are poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of many.

Key points

• The Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians have grown to 30 members in Africa, with a presence in seven countries on the continent.
• The congregation's Mother General, Sr Christine Mynsong, attributes the growth in vocations and expansion to God's generosity.
• The congregation's primary charism is to spread the Gospel to the whole creation, as stated in their motto, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation" (Mk 16,15).